Weekly Communique

We are excited to share an update on the solar field that was brought online at Prairie Trail School last school year. Over the past eight months, we have experienced an average of 104% reduction in the kilowatts used at the school. So the system is actually generating more kilowatts than the building needs, so it is actually giving energy back to ComEd. By giving more back to the grid ComEd banks this additional energy for when we need it back on dark, cloudy days and also sends it to the grid for consumption.

Our Solar System year-to-date has acquired a total of 615.41 Mega Watts. On average, a typical residential home for a year will use 10.632 megawatts. With what the Solar System has harvested, we could run about 57 homes for a year. This has reduced our carbon footprint by 164,868 pounds based on Trane's data for our system.

If you would like to see how our Solar System is harvesting Daily, Monthly, or Yearly please take a moment and review our website with real-time data.

https://hmi.alsoenergy.com/powerhmi/publicdisplay/ba8a4082-76c7-4e4b-aa65-fe9a1c5f6ae5/main?arg=NTgyNDE%3d&lang=en-US

Do you have books in good condition that you no longer want? Donate them at Viking by 2/1!

Spaulding School students are in the midst of its popular dance unit. Students will learn 22 dances this year. The unit will culminate with Dance Night, which will be held at Viking Middle School on Tuesday, February 7th, at 6:30 p.m. All kindergarten, first, and second grade students, and their families are welcome to attend.

"Basketball Jones" visited Spaulding School this week to promote self-confidence, always doing your best, never giving up, and being nice to others. The assembly included lots of laughs, dancing, and -- of course -- plenty of basketball tricks.

D56 Families, what do you think of a parent night out? Think cocktails, games, raffles, and adult conversation.

Give us a thumbs up on our D56 PTO facebook page if you are in, give us a heart if you want to help plan this event, give us a wow and a PM if you have an item to donate (think sports tickets, etc).

All information can link to our camp webpage. Gurnee Park District Camp Guide goes live Monday, January 23. Registration for Summer Camp opens Monday, February 6. https://www.gurneeparkdistrict.com/programs/recreation/camp

One million COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are now available while supplies last. Learn more:

https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/testing/act-zip-codes.html

All ZIP codes in Illinois located outside the City of Chicago are now eligible to request FREE COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for home delivery! Please visit the following website, enter your ZIP code, and sign-up: https://www.accesscovidtests.org/

Tests are delivered right to your doorstep and are completely free!

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is deadly. Take steps to protect yourself and your family.

* Test the battery on your CO detector.

* Learn the possible symptoms of #COpoisoning.

* Know how to properly heat your home. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3hv1Bu6

This tax season, many households qualify for free tax preparation from IRS-certified preparers.

To access free services:

- Go to IRS.gov and search for ‘Free Tax Return Preparation’

- Go to AARP.org and search for ‘Tax-Aide Locator’

OR

File online with help:

- Go to GetYourRefund.org for online tax preparation by IRS-certified preparers

- Go to MyFreeTaxes.com to prepare your own tax return with assistance from IRS-certified preparers

These IRS-certified options are not only free, but also accurate and convenient.

In need of a computer? LCHA will be hosting an In-Person event at the Midlothian Manor building (22843 Lakewood Lane, Lake Zurich, Illinois, 60047) on January 27, 2023. Eligible households can receive a FREE PC from PC's for People.